Stories for January 2013

Letter: Taking Exception on Medicaid Expansion

Your recent editorial ["Expanding Medicaid Good For Virginia," The Connection, January 23-29, 2013] is noble in its desire to "extend health coverage to more than 400,000 residents who currently have no health insurance." If public policy making were just that easy. The editorial then goes on to indifferently say, "the Federal government picks up the tab.

Editorial: Extreme, But Brief, Volunteering

More than 150 volunteers needed to survey chronic homeless for three days in February.

The real solution to homelessness is housing. This week in Northern Virginia, a point-in-time survey will record all of the “literally homeless” individuals and families in the region. Last year, on Jan. 25, 2012, there were 1,534 people who were literally homeless in the Fairfax-Falls Church Community; 697 of them were single individuals and 837 were people in families. A third of the total number of homeless were children. Nearly 60 percent of the adult members of the homeless families were employed.

Classified Advertising Jan. 30, 2013

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Chloupek To Be Honored with ‘Special Love Award’

Gala planned for Feb. 2.

Larry Chloupek is training to run the DC Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon on March 16. Not too amazing for many athletes — except that Chloupek has only one leg and he will run the marathon using crutches.

Things To Do In Winter

Things to do in the winter time.

Hastaie Featured at The Art Gallery

Connecting with people through his travels.

The Art Gallery of Potomac welcomes a new resident artist, Habib Hastaie.

Indoor Winter Fun with Children

Ideas for entertainment when Jack Frost appears.

Winter weather often means limited open air playtime for some children. “It is very important for children to get as much outdoor activity as possible, but there are times when it is not safe for them to be outside for an extended length of time, or any time at all, because it is too cold. ” said Shannon Melideo, chair of the Education Department at Marymount University in Arlington. “There are many other things that children can do besides sledding and ice skating.”

Winter Fun with Food

Easy and tasty ideas for winter meals.

The stove is fired-up, a sauté pan is sizzling and the thud of a steel knife blade hitting a wooden chopping block fills the air along with the woodsy aroma of fresh thyme. The temperature outside is frigid, but the kitchen feels like an inferno as Chef Kristen Robinson drives a knife though a fennel bulb, kale leaves and a tough-skinned butternut squash with staccato succession.

Hang Out at This ‘Bus Stop’

Churchill High to present classic play next week.

The wind is gusting, snow is rapidly piling up and blustery conditions have stranded eight strangers in a Kansas diner in the winter of 1955. What happens next is anyone’s guess as the characters experience frustration, tears and laughter while they forge romantic connections and friendships throughout the night.

Classified Advertising Jan. 23, 2013

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Editorial: Expanding Medicaid Good for Virginia

Real health coverage for an additional 400,000 people is in reach.

Virginia has an opportunity to expand Medicaid in a way that could extend health coverage to more than 400,000 residents who currently have no health insurance while the Federal government picks up the tab; Virginia would pay 10 percent of the additional cost after 2020.

News Briefs

As Democratic delegates fight to keep firearms further from school property, Republican Bob Marshall (D-13) is pushing legislation to bring more guns in. Marshall is the chief patron of HB 1557, which would require every school board in the state to designate one volunteer to carry a concealed weapon on school property. Training for selected volunteers would be provided by either the Virginia Center for School Safety or the NRA, of which he is a member.

Four Northern Virginia Senators Targeted

Redistricting effort puts Fairfax County seats in the spotlight.

Four Northern Virginia state Senators are targets of a Republican-led effort to draw new districts — Sen. George Barker (D-39), Sen. Dave Marsden (D-37), Sen. Toddy Puller (D-36) and Sen. Chap Petersen (D-34). Democrats say the redistricting effort is a cynical attempt to take advantage of the absence of Sen. Henry Marsh (D-16), a prominent civil rights veteran, who was in Washington, D.C. for the inauguration on Monday. But state Sen. John Watkins (R-10) of Powhatan defended the effort as a way to create a sixth majority black Senate district in Southside. It passed the Senate on a 20-to-19 vote.

Making Schools Safer

Two Northern Virginia Democrats take part in panel to consider school security.

Do Virginia schools need more guns? That question is at the heart of a debate that’s now reaching a fever pitch in the commonwealth, especially after a man with a Bushmaster assault rifle blasted his way into a Connecticut elementary school and killed 20 children and six adults before killing himself. Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell responded to the tragedy by creating a School Safety Task Force, which is considering a proposal for every school in Virginia to have an armed school resource officer.

Column: The Best of Intentions, I’m Sure

Regularly, throughout my now nearly four years of living as a stage IV non-small cell lung cancer “diagnosee”/survivor, I have had conversations where the person with whom I’ve been speaking–in response to a query of mine, said about a particular set of their circumstances: “Oh, it’s nothing, really. I mean, it’s not cancer, so it’s not as bad as what you’re (meaning me) going through.” Said with the utmost sincerity and sensitivity to me of course, and with my feelings/reaction most definitely in mind; for a long time, I simply acknowledged their empathy/sympathy and continued on with our conversation as if no emotional pot–of mine, had been stirred.

This Week in Potomac

Budget Forums Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett (D) will hold budget forums in January and February to solicit input from the public about the Fiscal Year 2014 operating budget priorities. Residents can attend the forums and provide input; predicted budget shortfalls are likely to result in cuts to county services.

Woods Robotics Teams Earn Awards at State Championship

On Saturday, Jan. 19, The Woods Academy Robotics teams competed against 70 other teams at the Maryland First Lego League Championship at the UMBC Retriever Activities Center in Catonsville.

Churchill Competes in National Robotics Tournament

Students create robots that travel aboard the International Space Station

Potomac students were in Boston earlier this month competing in the ZERO Robotics Challenge, a competition sponsored by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Potomac Home Sales: December, 2012

In December 2012, 33 Potomac homes sold between $2,675,000-$258,000.

Potomac Home Sales: December, 2012

Fairfax Families4Kids

Fostering bonds with children.

Nationwide, more than 463,000 children live in foster care. In many states, including Virginia, the number of foster youth has tripled in the last 25 years. As of Sept. 30, 2011, nearly 5,000 youth were in foster care in Virginia, according to the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), a division of the U.S. Health and Human Services Department. Physical abuse is the most common reason children enter foster, but it’s not the only reason. Often there’s emotional abuse, sexual abuse and the parent or caretaker’s inability to provide a safe environment due to substance abuse.

A Family Made Whole

After a tragic loss, Reston couple creates a family through adoption.

The Granvilles look like a made-for-TV family. On a bright October afternoon, Chris, a computer engineer, is teasing his teenage son, Kenny, about what kind of pet to adopt, while Tiffany sits on a sofa, cradling Elijah, Kenny’s baby brother, who has just woken up from an afternoon nap. “Fish? No way,” Kenny, 15, says. “They just go ‘round and ‘round in a bowl.” Kenny is lobbying hard for a dog or—at the very least—a guinea pig or hamster.

Aging in Place

Fulfilling the mission of ‘Potomac Community Village.’

Plan to attend informational meeting about aging in place 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 29 at Congregation Har Shalom. Potomac’s Nelly Urbach served as director of the Walter Reed Senior Center in Arlington, Va., for 30 years. While working, she kept “The Village Movement” on her radar — the concept of establishing and managing villages to enable people to remain living in their own homes and communities as they age

JT Interiors Opens in Potomac

Featuring custom window treatments, art and furniture.

The new JT Interiors is located in the historic Potomac House at 9906 River Road in the heart of Potomac Village.

Area Residents Attend 57th Inauguration

Many brave crowds to witness history.

Local residents were among the hundreds of thousands who left their homes on a cold winter holiday, Jan. 21, to brave packed Metro trains and slow-moving security check points for a chance to celebrate and witness President Barack Obama’s second inauguration.

A 10-Year Mission: End Homelessness

Our Fairfax-Falls Church community is one of the most affluent in the country. Our schools are second to none. We are the home for many Fortune 500 businesses. Even with the challenging economy, our unemployment rate is among the lowest in the country.

Classified Advertising January 16, 2013

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Queen of Household Hints to Share Five Essentials Every Home Should Have

Heloise to headline 2013 Home and Remodeling Show at the Dulles Expo Center.

The high priestess of household hints will share her domestic wisdom this weekend at the 2013 Home and Remodeling Show at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly, Va. A nationally syndicated columnist, Heloise is one of the presenters scheduled to headline the weekend’s show.

Climbing to New Heights

“Trekking For Kids” supports projects in developing countries.

In 2010, Bridgit Fried of Potomac and Cindy Steuart of Bethesda signed up to climb to the base camp of Mt. Everest with a group called “Trekking For Kids.”

Editorial: Transportation Money

Eliminating the gas tax makes no sense.

Virginia, and especially Northern Virginia, is woefully short on funds for transportation. One reason is that its gas tax, a logical way to fund transportation infrastructure, is one of the lowest in the nation, and has remained flat since the ’80s, since it is not indexed for inflation. So the buying power of the gas tax has been dwindling.

Potomac School Notes

School Notes for the Potomac area.

Visitors from Spain

McLean School of Maryland families hosted 7 teenage Spanish Exchange Students from Colegio Europeo Madrid for a month.

Letter to the Editor: Move Forward on Rink Modification

As the current chair of the Friends of the Potomac Community Center, Inc., as well as a long-time Potomac resident, it saddens me to hear the negative feedback coming from a very few neighbors concerning the proposed modification of the current roller rink.

The New Year, Same as the Old Year?

Having survived almost four full years from the date of my original diagnosis/prognosis doing what I’ve done, all I should feel is: that anything is possible. I’m living proof.

Importance of Recess

Pediatric researchers say unstructured play can help a child’s cognitive, physical, emotional and social development.

Can climbing on monkey bars help a child’s cognitive development? Can a game of tag boost preschooler’s social skills? The nation’s top pediatricians say “yes” and some local educators agree.

Save the Soil or Plow Ahead?

Pivotal year ahead in Potomac.

Days before the county was scheduled to take possession of 20 acres of farmland on Brickyard Road to develop the into soccer fields, Gov. Martin O’Malley got involved.

Potomac Home Sales: November, 2012

In November 2012, 46 Potomac homes sold between $2,090,000-$280,000.

Potomac Home Sales: November, 2012

Classified Advertising Jan 9, 2012

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Editorial: More Fodder for Comedy?

2013 session of the Virginia General Assembly will tackle serious issues.

The 2013 30-day session of the Virginia General Assembly begins on Wednesday, Jan. 9. We can only hope that the various legislative proposals do not provide as much fodder for comedy as last session. The Virginia House of Delegates and the Senate of Virginia will offer live streaming video of the 2013 Legislative Sessions, and it is well worth tuning in once or twice.

“If It Ain’t Broke…”

Today is a day I feel like writing – not merely one when I am looking forward to having written, but rather one when I am interested and motivated by the process.

Home Design and Décor Trends for 2013

Designers predict what we will see in the year ahead.

What are the design trends that will define the way we live in 2013? Local tastemakers and design experts break down the trends that will be popular this year.

Preparing for a Spring Wonderland

Experts offer advice on what to do now to create a pleasurable outdoor space in spring.

Chilly January temperatures can make spring seem far away. However, it’s closer than you think. A recent Residential Landscape Architecture Trends survey from the American Society of Landscape Architects showed that as the weather gets warmer, many want an undemanding, outdoor space.

Home and Remodeling Show Comes to D.C. Area

Nationally Syndicated Columnist Heloise and local contractors will educate homeowners.

Whether you’re planning to renovate an entire house, update an antiquated bathroom, create a more functional kitchen or simply add more color to your home, there will be inspiration and ideas aplenty at the 2013 Home and Remodeling Show.

Sister to Sister Partners with Hadassah

Goal is to expand awareness of heart disease in women.

Expanding on her work in the Washington region and throughout the country to empower women to lead heart healthy lives, Irene Pollin of Bethesda has newly partnered her women’s heart health foundation, Sister to Sister, with Hadassah. The two groups will raise awareness about heart disease in women through live screening programs and local education initiatives.

Unforgettable Spaces

Local designers share their favorite home designs from 2012.

Local interior designers spend their days mixing colors, accessories and furnishings to create chic and stylish rooms. As the new year begins, some local tastemakers look back on some of their most memorable accomplishments.

Presidential Scholar

Christopher Kilner, Potomac, is among the 19 incoming students at The University of Scranton awarded four-year, full-tuition Presidential Scholarships.

Letter to the Editor: Dealing with Tragedy’s Emotions

Today’s [Dec. 14] unspeakable tragedy in Newtown, Conn., has saddened and shaken us all.

Letter to the Editor: Supports Rink Modifications

I wanted to take a moment to express my support in moving forward with the proposal for modifying the rink at the Potomac Community Center.

Steps for Parents To Take on Artificial Turf

1) Go to the coalition website,www.safehealthyplayingfields.org, and synturf.org, where parents can search information about what some health experts are saying regarding toxic chemicals used in artificial turf.

Life on Mars and the Fourth Dimension

A Matter Of Perspective

With all this hype about possible life on Mars, what makes us think we would know it if we saw it? Life may already exist in another dimension that we may not be equipped to see. That “life” may exist in the fourth dimension, a space that lies beyond our visible universe, operating in ways that our human minds cannot understand.

News Briefs

Budget Forums

News Briefs Budget Forums Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett (D) will hold five budget forums in January and February to solicit input from the public about the Fiscal Year 2014 operating budget priorities. Residents can attend the forums and provide input; predicted budget shortfalls are likely to result in cuts to county services.

Classified Advertising January 2, 2013

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Happy New Year, Keep in Touch

Reflecting and reinforcing the sense of community.

As local, weekly newspapers, the Connection’s mission is to bring the news you need about your community, to give you the information you need to enjoy the best things in and near your community, to advocate for community good, to call attention to unmet needs, to provide a forum for dialogue on local concerns, and to celebrate and record milestones and events in community and people’s lives. To succeed at any of that, we need your help.

Advice for Seniors on Fitness in the New Year

Suggestions for making and keeping exercise resolutions.

Mary Garner’s New Year’s resolution is to increase the intensity of her workout routine. The 69-year-old retiree plans to seek the advice of a fitness trainer to create a plan to achieve her goal.

The Quest for Youth and Beauty

Spending billions of dollars to improve one’s appearance.

Hiba Hakki reclines on an exam table as a physician picks up a syringe with his latex-gloved hand and points it at her face. He inserts the needle into the flesh around her eyes. She cringes slightly. This is a Botox injection, just one of the cosmetic procedures Hakki undergoes for the sake of beauty.

Living Up to New Year Resolutions

Benefit of cardio workout plan includes weight loss and decreased heart disease risk.

During Martin McKay’s annual physical examination shortly before the holidays, his doctor suggested that he consider intensifying his cardiovascular exercise routine.

Should Virginia’s Governor Be Able to Run for Reelection?

Longstanding ban on second consecutive term to be reconsidered this year.

Virginia is the only state that limits its governor to a single, four-year term, a vestige of the distrust Americans had for executive power during the American Revolution. Now, more than two centuries later, the commonwealth may finally be ready to ditch the longstanding term limit and allow Virginia’s governor to run for reelection.

‘Taking It Outside’ Presented at Gallery Har Shalom

Opening reception on Sunday.

An opportunity to escape to lovely scenic places captured by talented artists will be presented at the Gallery Har Shalom show “Taking It Outside” which opens Sunday, Jan. 6.

Column: Examining Artificial Turf’s Environmental Issues

Representatives of the Safe Healthy Playing Fields Coalition spoke to the WMCCA about the health and environmental issues related to artificial turf at the December general meeting.

Season Winds Down with Caroling and Company

“Mother and Daddy started a Christmas Eve with music tradition in our home during World War II and we have continued it,” Nan Muntzing confided as she and her husband, Manning, once again invited friends and family for another Christmas Eve gathering at their Potomac home.

Glen Hills Area Sewer Study Update

The Phase I study report was taken down from the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection website in order for DEP to respond to citizen demands concerning the Report's designation of their lots as not being sustainable on septic systems.

Brickyard Road School Site Update

The Maryland Court of Special Appeals denied the County’s motion to overturn the Stay issued by Judge Greenberg in the Brickyard Board of Education lawsuit.

Environmental Report: Two Tree Bills Introduced

After two years of waiting, the County Executive has sent to the Council an urban tree bill – Bill 25-12, the Montgomery County Urban Canopy Bill.

Opinion: Master Plan: Still Timely Today

In a transition zone between Maryland’s piedmont and coastal plains, the Potomac Subregion has a unique geology and biodiversity.

Editorial: Happy New Year, Keep in Touch

Reflecting and reinforcing the sense of community.

As a local, weekly newspaper, the Gazette Packet’s mission is to bring the news you need about your community, to give you the information you need to enjoy the best things in and near your community, to advocate for community good, to call attention to unmet needs, to provide a forum for dialogue on local concerns, and to celebrate and record milestones and events in community and people’s lives.